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Imuran (azathioprine) should I stop? Not flaring.

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 3/2/2010 12:49 AM (GMT 0)
I had my first flare back in July of 2007.... it was a pretty crappy one... no pun intended. It lasted until June of 2008. I was on Prednisone for most of the time and tried various drugs but none seems to help. Finally I got on azathioprine and it has been great. I was taking a very high dose at first while doing the blood tests, but am now apply to keep it in the therapeutic level with only 50mg by supplementing it with Allopurinol.

I haven't had a flare since June of 2008. The azathioprine doesn't seem to effect me negatively in any way other than I'm more sensitive to the sun which isn't a huge deal, I just wear more sunblock. I do worry about the long term side effects of being on these drugs. I'd prefer to stop but am scared I will flare again. I don't know if I could handle going through that again. It is especially difficult for me because I travel a lot for work and can't always get quick access to a bathroom when I need it.

Anyway I was just curious what other peoples experiences were getting off something that was working for them. My doctor basically says it's my call and do I feel lucky? She says the next flare could be worse and not able to get back under control again with the azathioprine.

I'm about 75% sure I would like to try to get off the drugs but I just don't know....please let me know your experiences. Thanks.
Posted 3/2/2010 12:52 AM (GMT 0)
I wouldn't if I were you...it's intended to help you remain in remission and azithioprine takes a very long time to kick in. Plus its nowhere near as bad as pred in terms of side effects.
Posted 3/2/2010 12:55 AM (GMT 0)
Yeah I'd stay on it. It's kept me in remission for like four years so far. No side-effects.
Posted 3/2/2010 1:11 AM (GMT 0)
Do not stop taking it without discussing with your GI.  My GI told me that if 6MP had worked for me that I would have had to stay on it for a minimum of 5 years.  Since you are doing well, don't rock the boat!

 

Sue

Posted 3/2/2010 11:31 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the responses. I guess since I'm not having any issues with it and it seems to be keeping me in remission, I'll just stay on it. I just don't like the idea of taking drugs if I don't have to. I guess it's better than the alternatives if I were to go off and flare again. I'll just keep taking the meds and hope they keep me in remission.
Posted 3/2/2010 11:39 PM (GMT 0)
I wouldn't. I'm on Apriso (mesalamine) which has less risk of long-term side effects, but I wouldn't stop taking imuran, either. I've heard too many stories of people quitting their maintenance meds, only to re-flare, and not have those meds work any longer. No way would i risk that.
Posted 3/3/2010 12:04 AM (GMT 0)
You may be in remission, but you still have UC. Therefore, it makes sense that you should keep taking the medication that is keeping it under control. Stopping it would be sort of like a diabetic saying "Oh, my blood sugar is normal, so I'm going to stop taking insulin."

Post Edited By Moderator (Admin) : 8/31/2010 9:08:51 AM (GMT-6)

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